Valve for a dispensing container

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly for a dispensing container includes a closure body detachably coupled to a co-injected valve. The closure body includes a main closure body coupled to a closure cap via a flexible hinge. The co-injected valve includes a valve head and a valve frame. The valve head includes a valve head portion with multiple valve head slits, a sleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange. The valve frame is permanently coupled to the valve head and includes a radial ledge and a radial wall that support the peripheral sealing flange of the valve head. The co-injected valve is fabricated via a two-step injection molding process. The first step includes fabricating the valve frame from a first injection material, and the second step includes fabricating the valve member from a second injection material.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a co-injected valve assemblyutilized for the dispensing of flowable product from a dispensingcontainer. A number of consumer goods are sold in such dispensingcontainers, including, but not limited to, foodstuffs (e.g., ketchup,mustard, honey), personal care products (e.g., shampoos, liquid soaps,lotions), and other household products (e.g., detergents, automotiveoils). Conventional valve assemblies for these dispensing containersoften include silicone valve heads, which present several drawbacks.Silicone is unable to be co-injected to a strong frame or holdermaterial in an injection molding process, and it is not recyclable. Avalve assembly that is recyclable and able to manufactured via aco-injection molding process would therefore be useful.

The co-injected valve assembly of the present disclosure is configuredto open reliably when force is applied to the dispensing container. Theco-injected valve assembly is further configured to be self-closing inthat it closes in a reliable and sealed fashion in the absence of forceapplied to the dispensing container. The molding process for the valveassembly generally includes the sequential injection of multiplepolymeric materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers, polypropylene) intomultiple cavities within a single mold to form an inseparable valveassembly including a valve head supported by a valve frame.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a valve assembly for adispensing container. The valve assembly includes a closure bodydetachably coupled to a co-injected valve. The closure body includes amain closure body coupled to a closure cap via a flexible hinge. Theco-injected valve includes a valve head and a valve frame. The valvehead includes a valve head portion with multiple valve head slits, asleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange. The valve frame ispermanently coupled to the valve head and includes a radial ledge and aradial wall that support the peripheral sealing flange of the valvehead. The co-injected valve is fabricated via a two-step injectionmolding process. The first step includes fabricating the valve framefrom a first injection material, and the second step includesfabricating the valve member from a second injection material.

In some embodiments, the first injection material is polypropylene. Inother embodiments, the second injection material is a thermoplasticelastomer.

In some embodiments, the valve head slits are formed via a mechanicalcutting process. In other embodiments, the valve head slits are formedvia a laser cutting process.

In some embodiments, the valve frame further includes an access windowconfigured to permit passage of an injection molding nozzle used todeposit the second injection material.

In some embodiments, the closure body is coupled to the co-injectedvalve via at least one of a snap fit assembly process and an ultrasonicassembly process.

In some embodiments, the closure cap further includes a stopperconfigured to support the valve head when the closure body is in aclosed cap position.

In some embodiments, the closure body further includes threadsconfigured to threadably couple the closure body to the dispensingcontainer.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a co-injectionmolded valve. The co-injection molded valve includes a valve head and avalve frame. The valve head includes a valve head portion with valvehead slits, a sleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange. The valveframe is permanently coupled to the valve head and includes a radialledge and a radial wall configured to support the peripheral sealingflange of the valve head. The co-injected molded valve is fabricated viaa two-step injection molding process. The first step includesfabricating the valve frame from a first injection material, and thesecond step includes fabricating the valve head from a second injectionmaterial.

In some embodiments, the first injection material is polypropylene. Inother embodiments, the second injection material is a thermoplasticelastomer.

In some embodiments, the valve head slits are formed via a mechanicalcutting process. In other embodiments, the valve head slits are formedvia a laser cutting process.

In some embodiments, the radial wall includes a retention notchconfigured to couple the co-injection molded valve to a dispensingcontainer closure body via at least one of a snap fit assembly processand an ultrasonic assembly process.

Yet another implementation of the present disclosure is a method ofmanufacturing a co-injection molded valve. The method includesdepositing a first injection material from a first injection nozzle intoa first mold cavity to form a valve frame. The valve frame includes aradial ledge and a radial wall extending from the radial ledge. Themethod also includes depositing a second injection material from asecond injection nozzle into a second mold cavity to form a valve head.The valve head includes a valve head portion, a sleeve portion, and aperipheral sealing flange.

In some embodiments, the first injection material is polypropylene. Inother embodiments, the second injection material is a thermoplasticelastomer.

In some embodiments, the valve frame further includes an access window.The access window is configured to permit passage of the secondinjection nozzle through the valve frame.

In some embodiments, the method further includes forming valve slits inthe valve head portion via at least one of a laser cutting process and amechanical cutting process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a valve and closure assembly for adispensing container in a closed position, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of the valve and closure assembly of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve and closure assemblyof FIG. 1 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a co-injected valve assembly used inthe valve and closure assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the co-injected valve assembly ofFIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top elevation view of the co-injected valve assembly of FIG.4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevation view of the co-injected valve assembly ofFIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is side cross-sectional view of the co-injected valve assemblytaken along the line B-B in FIG. 6, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the valve and closure assembly ofFIG. 1 in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top elevation view of the valve and closure assembly ofFIG. 1 in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve and closure assemblyof FIG. 1 in an open position taken along the line C-C in FIG. 7,according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a valve assembly for a dispensingcontainer is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The valveassembly can include a co-injected valve detachably coupled to a closurebody. The co-injected valve can be formed by injection molding aplurality of polymeric materials into mold cavities to form a layeredvalve component. The layered valve component can include a flexiblevalve head supported by and inseparably coupled to a rigid valve frame.The flexible valve head can be fabricated from a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE), while the rigid valve frame can be fabricated from polypropylene(PP).

Before discussing further details of the valve for the dispensingcontainer and/or the components thereof, it should be noted thatreferences to “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,”“outer,” “right,” and “left,” and other directions in this descriptionare merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented inthe FIGURES. These terms are not meant to limit the element which theydescribe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in variousapplications. Additionally, any dimensions or sizes specified for thevalve for the dispensing container and/or the components thereof shouldbe interpreted as describing an exemplary embodiment and should not beregarded as limiting. The valve and the dispensing container can haveany of a variety of shapes and/or sizes in various applications.

Valve Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a valve assembly 100 for a dispensingcontainer is depicted, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 1 and2 respectively depict a perspective view and a top view of the valveassembly 100, while FIG. 3 depicts a sectional view of the valveassembly 100 taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2 is shown. Valve assembly100 is shown to include a closure body 200 detachably coupled to aco-injected valve 300. The co-injected valve 300 may be configured totravel between a closed valve position, in which the contents of thedispensing container are prevented from flowing out of the dispensingcontainer, and an open valve position, in which the contents arepermitted to flow freely out of the dispensing container. Each of theFIGS. 1-3 depict the co-injected valve 300 of valve assembly 100 in theclosed valve position. FIGS. 9-11, described in further detail below,depict the co-injected valve 300 in the open valve position.

Closure body 200 includes a main closure body 202 and a closure cap 204.In various embodiments, closure body 200 may be formed via an injectionmolding process out of any suitable material (e.g., polypropylene (PP),polyethylene (PE)). The main closure body 202 includes a central raisedportion 208 and a central aperture 210. The central aperture 210 may beconfigured to receive the co-injected valve 300 such that the valve head302 protrudes at least partially past the central raised portion 208when the co-injected valve 300 is in the open valve position. When theco-injected valve 300 is in the closed valve position, the co-injectedvalve 300 may be configured to sit substantially below the centralraised portion 208.

Valve head 302 of the co-injected valve 300 has a substantially concaveshape while in the closed position and when viewed from the exterior ofthe dispensing container. Valve head 302 may include one or more valveslits 304 configured to form an aperture that permits passage of thecontents of the dispensing container when the valve head 302 is in theopen valve position. In various embodiments, the one or more valve slits304 may be formed by a laser or mechanical blade slitting or cuttingprocess after co-injected valve 300 is formed via an injection moldingprocess, as described in further detail below.

As shown, in some embodiments, the valve slits 304 may form an “X” shape(i.e., the slits are located 90 degrees apart from each other) whenvalve head 302 is in the closed valve position. In other embodiments,the valve slits 304 may form other shapes. The size, number, and shapeof the valve slits 304 may be selected based on the contents of thedispensing container to ensure that the contents are permitted to flowfreely without requiring the application of excess force to the outsideof the dispensing container during a dispensing process, while at thesame time preventing leakage from the valve head 302 in the absence offorce applied to the dispensing container. For example, if the valveslits 304 are too large, the co-injected valve 300 will not properlyreturn to the closed valve position from the open valve position whenapplied force is removed from the dispensing container, and the contentsof the dispensing container will leak out of the co-injected valve 300.

Returning to the closure body 200, hinge 206 is shown to couple the mainclosure body 202 to the closure cap 204. In some embodiments, hinge 206is a living hinge. A living hinge is a formed as an extension of thebase and cap material during an injection molding process. In someembodiments, hinge 206 is thin and flexible, allowing the closure cap204 to rotate 180 degrees or more between a closed cap position and anopened cap position. The opened cap position permits the closure cap 204to bend out of the way of the main closure body 202 as the contents ofthe container are dispensed.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, closure cap 204 is shown toinclude a stopper 212 and a cap opening recess 216. In some embodiments,stopper 212 is a protrusion feature formed during the injection moldingprocess of closure body 200. Stopper 212 may be configured to preventthe valve head 302 from flexing when the dispensing container isinverted. For example, stopper 212 may have a substantially convex shapein order to mate with the substantially concave shape of the valve head302. By preventing the valve head 302 from flexing, the stopper 212 mayprevent pressure from the contents of the dispensing container fromacting to move the valve head 302 from the closed valve position to theopen valve position, thus preventing drips or other leakage of thecontents of the dispensing container into the closure body 200.

The cap opening recess 216 on the closure cap 204 may align with acorresponding cap opening recess 214 on the main closure body 202 whenthe closure cap 204 is in the closed cap position. Both cap openingrecesses 214 and 216 may be located approximately 180 degrees from thehinge 206 when the closure body 200 is in the closed cap position. Bylocating the cap opening recesses 214 and 216 in this way, a userwishing to move the closure cap 204 from the closed cap position to theopen cap position is guided to apply force on the closure cap 204 in thearea of the recesses 214 and 216, thus permitting closure cap 204 to beeasily rotated upward from the closed cap position to the open capposition, and thereby preventing damage to the hinge 206.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the main closure body 202 of closure body 200is further shown to include a peripheral closure cap ledge 218 and aplurality of threads 220. The peripheral closure cap ledge 218 providesa mating surface for the closure cap 204 while in the closed capposition. In some embodiments, the closure cap 204 is retained in theclosed cap position via a closure cap retention feature 226 adjacent tothe peripheral closure cap ledge 218. In some embodiments, closure capretention feature 226 is a protrusion located on the periphery of themain closure body 202 that is configured to retain closure cap 204 inthe closed cap position via a snap fit joint.

The plurality of threads 220 are configured to threadably couple theclosure body 200 to a dispensing container (not shown). Althoughdepicted as external (i.e., male) threads, in some embodiments, theplurality of threads 200 are internal (i.e., female) threads. Thedispensing container may be any suitable container for a flowableproduct. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing container is adeformable container for a foodstuff configured to be stored in aninverted position (i.e., with the closure body 200 resting on a supportsurface and the dispensing container extending upwards from the closurebody 200). For example, the foodstuff may be a condiment such asketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise or another type of viscous food such ashoney, jam, or jelly. In other embodiments, the dispensing container isa container for household, pharmaceutical, automotive or industrialproducts including, but not limited to, soaps, shampoos, lotions,detergents, cleaning fluids, and oils.

Main closure body 202 is further shown to include an annular wall 224extending toward the interior of the dispensing container from a topdeck surface 222 of the central raised portion 208. Annular wall 224 mayextend far enough toward the interior of the dispensing container tosubstantially encapsulate the co-injected valve 300. For example, insome embodiments, annular wall 224 includes a protrusion configured toengage with a recess feature on the co-injected valve 300 such that theco-injected valve 300 may be detachably coupled to the closure body 200via a snap fit joint. Further details of the snap fit assembly processare included below with reference to FIG. 8. In other embodiments,co-injected valve 300 may be permanently coupled to the closure body 200through an ultrasonic assembly process. Ultrasonic assembly of plasticparts is accomplished by converting high frequency electrical energyinto high frequency mechanical motion. The mechanical motion, along withapplied force, creates frictional heat at the joint between the plasticcomponents, such that the plastic in the area of the joint melts andforms a molecular bond between the parts. Use of an ultrasonic assemblyprocess may necessitate certain changes to the structural design of theclosure body 200 and/or the co-injected valve 300.

Co-Injected Valve

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, the co-injected valve 300 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5 depict perspectiveviews of the co-injected valve 300, while FIGS. 6 and 7 respectivelydepict top and bottom views of the co-injected valve 300. FIG. 8 depictsa sectional view of the co-injected valve 300 taken along the line B-Bof FIG. 6. In various embodiments, as described above, the co-injectedvalve 300 may be detachably coupled to the closure body 200 to form thevalve assembly 100. Co-injected valve 300 may include two inseparablycoupled components: a valve head 302 and a valve frame 308.

The valve head 302 and the valve frame 308 of the co-injected valve 300may be fabricated from an injection molding process. In someembodiments, the injection molding process is a “two-shot” or“double-shot” injection molding process. A two-shot injection moldingprocess utilizes an injection molding machine with two independentinjection units or nozzles, each of which is configured to dispense amaterial with at least one different material characteristic than theother injection unit. By combining different materials with improvementsin injection molding technology, complex functional parts can beproduced economically and efficiently in large quantities. For example,a two-shot injection molding process may be utilized to fabricate asingle part from materials of different compositions (e.g., differentpolymer types) or different colors.

In some cases, a two-shot injection molding process is utilized tofabricate a part consisting of both hard and soft plastic materials suchthat the hard plastic material provides structure to the soft plasticmaterial. For example, valve frame 308 may be fabricated frompolypropylene (PP). PP is a thermoplastic polymer with advantageouscharacteristics including good chemical resistance, toughness, andfatigue resistance. In some embodiments, valve head 302 may befabricated from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPEs may combine theelastic properties of vulcanized rubber with the processing propertiesof thermoplastics. Advantages of TPEs include low material cost, goodchemical resistance, and good tear resistance. TPEs are also recyclable.By contrast, silicone, which is often utilized in the valve heads ofdispensing containers, is generally more expensive than TPEs, cannot beused with products containing mineral oils, cannot be molded via atwo-shot injection molding process, and is generally not recyclable.

In various embodiments, the two-shot injection molding process offabricating the co-injected valve 300 may proceed as follows: the PP forthe valve frame 308 is injected via a first injection nozzle into afirst cavity of a two-cavity mold. During the first injection process,the second cavity is closed off from the first cavity such that the PPfrom the first injection nozzle does not fill the second cavity. Oncethe first injection process is complete, the mold is manually orautomatically rotated within the injection molding machine, and the TPEfor the valve head 302 is injected via a second injection nozzle intothe second cavity of the two-cavity mold. Once a sufficient coolingperiod has elapsed, the mold is opened and the finished co-injectedvalve 300 is ejected from the mold. Due to the properties of PP and TPE,the valve head 302 is permanently bonded to the valve frame 308 withoutthe requirement of adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In variousembodiments, as described above, ejection of the co-injected valve 300from the mold may be followed by a laser or mechanical blade slitting orcutting process to form the one or more valve slits 304.

To assist in the injection molding process, valve frame 308 is shown toinclude an access window 310. Access window 310 is configured to permitthe passage of a second injection molding nozzle for the purpose ofdepositing material for the valve head 302 (e.g., TPE) into the secondcavity of a two-cavity mold. In some embodiments, access window 310 hasa tapered shape. In other embodiments, access window 310 may be any sizeor shape required to permit passage of the second injection nozzlewithout sacrificing the structural integrity of the valve frame 308.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view B-B of theco-injected valve 300 is shown, according to some embodiments. Valvehead 302 is shown to include a valve head portion 324 coupled to asleeve portion 306 via a hinge portion 322. The hinge portion 322 isconfigured to act as a flexion point that permits the valve head portion324 to transition from a closed valve position to an open valveposition. Further details of the co-injected valve in the open positionare included below with reference to FIGS. 9-11. The thickness of thevalve head portion 324 may be configured to decrease substantiallycontinuously from the area adjacent to the hinge portion 322 to thecenter of the valve head portion 324 (i.e., the intersection point ofthe valve slits 304). In some embodiments, the valve head portion 324includes an area of uniform thickness proximate the center of the valvehead portion 324. The thickness distribution of the valve head portion324 may be selected to control the pressures required to move the valvehead 302 between its open and closed valve positions. For example, bysituating the thinnest segment of the valve head portion 324 at thecenter of the valve head 302, air may be permitted to vent back throughthe valve slits 304, thus preventing drips and/or leakage of thecontents of the dispensing container when the valve head 302 transitionsfrom an open valve position to a closed valve position.

Sleeve portion 306 is configured to couple the hinge portion 322 to theperipheral sealing flange 312. As shown, in some embodiments, theperipheral sealing flange 312 has a partial dovetail shape in that theperipheral sealing flange 312 includes a inclined upper surface thatserves to increase the thickness of the peripheral seal flange 312 asthe radial distance from the center of the valve head 302 increases. Invarious embodiments and as depicted in FIG. 3, the inclined uppersurface of the peripheral sealing flange 312 may be compressed by asurface extending from the deck 222 of the closure body 200 such thatthe contents of the dispensing container are not permitted to leakbetween the closure body 200 and the co-injected valve 300 when theco-injected valve 300 is in the open valve position.

Valve frame 308 is configured to surround a central dispensing aperture314. The contents of the dispensing container may travel through thecentral dispensing aperture 314 before passing through the valve slits304 and out of the dispensing container. As shown, valve frame 308includes a radial ledge 316 configured to support the peripheral sealingflange 312. As described above, due to the properties of the materialsutilized in the two-shot injection molding process, no adhesives ormechanical fasteners are required to permanently couple the valve head302 to the valve frame 308. A radial wall 318 extends from the radialoutermost edge of the radial ledge 316 such that the radial edge 326 ofthe peripheral sealing flange 312 is supported along nearly its entirelength by the radial wall 318. In some embodiments, radial wall 318includes a retention notch 320 having a size and shape such that it isconfigured to detachably engage with a protrusion located on the annularwall 224 of the closure body 200. For example, the retention notch 320may enable the co-injected valve 300 to assemble to the closure body 200via a snap fit assembly process. In other embodiments, the co-injectedvalve 300 is coupled to the closure body 200 via an ultrasonic assemblyprocess.

Valve Assembly Dispensing

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, several views of the valve assembly 100 inan open or dispensing position are depicted, according to an exemplaryembodiment. As shown, valve assembly 100 may include a closure body 200,and as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, closure body 200 mayinclude a main closure body 202 connected to a closure cap 204 via ahinge 206. The main closure body 202 may comprise a central raisedportion 208, a central aperture 210, and a cap opening recess 214, whilethe closure cap 204 may comprise a stopper 212 and a cap opening recess216.

Valve assembly 100 is further shown to include a co-injected valve 400.Co-injected valve 400 may be identical or substantially similar to theco-injected valve 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8,although in contrast to co-injected valve 300, the co-injected valve 400of FIGS. 9-11 is depicted in the open valve position. As describedabove, the co-injected valve 400 may transition from the closed valveposition to the open valve position upon the application of sufficientforce to the dispensing container, as the force increases the pressureon the contents within the dispensing container until the pressure ofthe contents on the valve head 402 is sufficient to operate theco-injected valve 400 from the closed valve position to the open valveposition. In the absence of a force applied to the dispensing container,the co-injected valve 400 is configured to automatically transition fromthe open valve position back to the closed valve position. As describedabove, in some embodiments, this transition involves an intake of airback into the dispensing container to prevent drips or leaks from theco-injected valve 400. The intake of air may also aid the dispensingcontainer in returning to its neutral or uncompressed shape in theabsence of an applied force.

Similar to co-injected valve 300, the valve head 402 of co-injectedvalve 400 includes a valve head portion 424 with multiple valve slits404. The multiple valve slits 404 are configured to permit the valvehead portion 424 to flare outward and form an aperture through which thecontents of the dispensing container are permitted to flow to flowfreely when the co-injected valve 400 is in the open valve position. Asshown, other components of the valve head 402, including the hingeportion 422, the sleeve portion 406, and the peripheral sealing flange412 are stationary between the open valve position and the closed valveposition.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean servingas an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, useof the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concretemanner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” andsimilar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with thecommon and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to whichthe subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understoodby those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these termsare intended to allow a description of certain features described andclaimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precisenumerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should beinterpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order ofthe steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps maybe performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variationwill depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designerchoice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standardprogramming techniques with rule based logic and other logic toaccomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparisonsteps and decision steps.

1. A valve assembly for a dispensing container, the valve assembly comprising: a closure body comprising a main closure body and a closure cap, the main closure body coupled to the closure cap via a flexible hinge; and a co-injected valve detachably coupled to the closure body and comprising: a valve head comprising a valve head portion with one or more valve head slits, a sleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange; and a valve frame permanently coupled to the valve head and comprising a radial ledge and a radial wall extending from the radial ledge, the radial wall configured to support at least a portion of a radial edge of the peripheral sealing flange; wherein the co-injected valve is fabricated via an injection molding process comprising at least two steps, a first step comprising fabricating the valve frame from a first injection material, and a second step comprising fabricating the valve head from a second injection material.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first injection material is polypropylene.
 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the second injection material is a thermoplastic elastomer.
 4. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more valve head slits is formed via a mechanical cutting process.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more valve head slits is formed via a laser cutting process.
 6. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve frame further comprises an access window configured to permit passage of an injection molding nozzle used to deposit the second injection material.
 7. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure body is coupled to the co-injected valve via at least one of a snap fit assembly process and an ultrasonic assembly process.
 8. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure cap further comprises a stopper configured to support the valve head when the closure body is in a closed cap position.
 9. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure body further comprises a plurality of threads configured to threadably couple the closure body to the dispensing container.
 10. A co-injection molded valve comprising: a valve head comprising a valve head portion with one or more valve head slits, a sleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange; and a valve frame permanently coupled to the valve head and comprising a radial ledge and a radial wall extending from the radial ledge, the radial wall configured to support at least a portion of a radial edge of the peripheral sealing flange; wherein the co-injected molded valve is fabricated via an injection molding process comprising at least two steps, a first step comprising fabricating the valve frame from a first injection material, and a second step comprising fabricating the valve head from a second injection material.
 11. The co-injection molded valve of claim 10, wherein the first injection material is polypropylene.
 12. The co-injection molded valve of claim 10, wherein the second injection material is a thermoplastic elastomer.
 13. The co-injection molded valve of claim 10, wherein the one or more valve head slits is formed via a mechanical cutting process.
 14. The co-injection molded valve of claim 10, wherein the one or more valve head slits is formed via a laser cutting process.
 15. The co-injection molded valve of claim 10, wherein the radial wall comprises a retention notch configured to couple the co-injection molded valve to a dispensing container closure body via at least one of a snap fit assembly process and an ultrasonic assembly process.
 16. A method of manufacturing a co-injection molded valve, the method comprising: depositing a first injection material from a first injection nozzle into a first mold cavity to form a valve frame, the valve frame comprising a radial ledge and a radial wall extending from the radial ledge; and depositing a second injection material from a second injection nozzle into a second mold cavity to form a valve head, the valve head comprising a valve head portion, a sleeve portion, and a peripheral sealing flange.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first injection material is polypropylene.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second injection material is a thermoplastic elastomer.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the valve frame further comprises an access window, the access window configured to permit passage of the second injection nozzle through the valve frame.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises forming one or more valve slits in the valve head portion via at least one of a laser cutting process and a mechanical cutting process. 